April 23, 2008 – Regular Exercise at 50 and Over May Protect Brain Function Against Cognitive Decline, Study Finds1 from the renowned Mayo Clinic.
Subjects who engaged in moderate physical activity two to five times a week by the time they were 50 to 65 were less likely to see their cognitive function decline, the researchers observed.
These results were obtained by investigating the prior physical activities of 868 individuals aged 70 to 89 years. Of these, 128 suffered from mild cognitive decline and 740 had normal cognitive functions.
Mild cognitive decline affects nerve cells that participate in the thought process. People who suffer from it can function normally in their daily activities. However, on occasion, they have difficulty remembering details of conversations or specific events, the study authors explain.
Most patients with mild cognitive decline see their condition worsen over time, and Alzheimer’s disease is often the cause, they say.
Emmanuelle Bergeron – HealthPassport.net
1. Geda YE, et al. Moderate Physical Exercise Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Population-Based Study. Unpublished study.
